Attitude To Homosexuals Criticised (Press, 4 May 1972)
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Summary: Attitude To Homosexuals Criticised (Press, 4 May 1972)
On 4 May 1972, Mrs Ngahuia Volkering, a representative of New Zealand’s first Gay Liberation Front, addressed over 250 students at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. She discussed the prevailing attitudes towards male and female homosexuality in New Zealand, which she described as rooted in fear, suspicion, and outdated Victorian views of sexuality. Mrs Volkering advocated for a shift in perspective, urging New Zealanders to recognise individuals’ rights to express love and affection in their preferred ways. Highlighting the struggles faced by many homosexual individuals, she pointed out that thousands live in anxiety over potential exposure and rejection, not because they fear disclosing their sexual orientation, but due to a lack of acceptance as authentic people. She questioned why so many in society suffered discrimination based on their choice of whom to love, lamenting that homosexuals are often unjustly ostracised, losing their homes, facing public scorn, and undergoing job loss due to their sexual orientation. Mrs Volkering emphasised that the right to love and affection is something most people take for granted, and she challenged her audience to understand why homosexuals should have to fight for similar rights. Furthermore, she critiqued society's fixation on the sexual aspects of homosexuality, arguing that this narrow focus prevented a broader understanding of the emotional capacities of homosexuals. She expressed hope that both the Labour and National parties' support for homosexual law reform indicated progress towards societal acceptance, which could lead New Zealand to become more aligned with the progressive attitudes already seen in other countries.
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